The family run hotel was perfectly located, clean, welcoming and personal service from the wonderful staff.
The food was great, so much on offer too. Couldn’t be faulted.
Leave your book behind as the days are exhilaratingly long!
The hiking was very varied, I went in July ‘24 and the flowers in the meadows and along all routes were stunning.
Tomas was our wonderful local guide, we were with him during his first year. This made no odds as he knew the location so well. Every view looked down on a village of one relative or another!
Try the local blue cheese , it’s delicious and the hotel stocks the award winning product produced by Tomás’ mum.
Japan Walking Tours
Our Best Hiking Tours in Japan
5 of the Best Places to Explore on Hiking Tours in Japan
Tokyo: The intriguing capital of Japan is a bustling metropolis where contrasts of old and new are everywhere you look. Ultra-modern architecture pierces the neon-lit skyline and history courses through the walls of temples, shrines and palaces. This a city where technology and modern culture rub shoulders with the past in an extraordinary fashion. And we can’t forget to mention the food scene too, as top-class sushi restaurants compete with Japanese street food stalls, inviting you to experience the vibrant East Asian flavours. We’d highly recommend visiting the Japanese gardens, Sensoji Temple, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a night-time view of the illuminated skyscrapers.
Kyoto: Fusing ornate temples, traditional teahouses and gardens filled with cherry blossom, Kyoto is a mesmerising city. Throughout Kyoto, there are approximately 2,000 shrines and temples where you can witness religious architecture and zen gardens. Just moments from this tranquillity, Downtown Kyoto buzzes with local artisans, world-class restaurants and shops, while Central Kyoto is home to the impressive Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. In the far west of the city, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most photographed sights. Walking through these giant bamboo groves that tower above you is a sensational feeling and unlike the usual tree tunnels you’ll have seen before.
Kumano Kodo: A walk along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is an experience like no other and offers an insight into the nature, religion and authentic culture of Japan. Along this countryside trail, you’ll discover traditional villages, tumbling waterfalls and the ancient forest of the Kii Mountains, which leads to the famous Kumano shrine at Hongu. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, aristocrats and emperors who took this spiritual journey along centuries-old trails. Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the three pilgrimage shrines that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its spellbinding views, sacred waterfall and vermillion pagoda.
Nakasendo Trail: This ancient walking route connects modern-day Tokyo with Kyoto and runs for approximately 340 miles through the Central Mountains. Formerly used by travellers such as samurai, pilgrims and merchants, the trail is far less crowded today and offers an introduces you to the 17th-century history and spectacular scenery. This is a wonderful route for anyone that wants to escape the tourist crowd and bustling cities of Japan to explore the peaceful landscapes of forests, mountains and waterfalls.
Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail: Covering more than 1,000km, this epic trail meanders between 88 Buddhist temples on a spiritual journey once walked by Kobo Daishi, who dedicated his life to Buddha. The scenery along the route is remarkable and to this day pilgrims walk the Shikoku Trail to visit the temples. Our tour guides you to some of the most beautiful parts of the trail in Tokushima, Kagawa and Ehime where you’ll stay in traditional minshuku and ryokan and feast on authentic Japanese dishes.
Emma Woodhead Walking the Picos de Europa
Michael KNOWLES Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel TrekThis was a great trekking experience with plenty of good advice available from the Exodus team beforehand in terms of preparation and what to expect. We started in the second week of the trekking season and so encountered a good deal of snow, which for us was a first in terms of trekking. We also had two fairly short ‘river’ crossings, which we had to negotiate and again a first for us. Our group leader was an extremely experienced mountain guide who made a great deal of effort to keep the group focussed on the trail ahead especially when it mattered. Amazing views at the tops of climbs and probably not a good trek for those with a fear of heights!
Martin Nicholls Mt Toubkal ClimbA really enjoyable week trekking in the High Atlas. The trip was very well paced with several challenging days but still enough time to rest, acclimatise and enjoy the spectacular scenery prior to summitting Mount Toubkal itself. There is also a mix of wild and arranged camping which gives a nice contrast throughout the week.
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